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Bomb Calorimetric

The calorific value of a solid or a liquid fuel is determined by


burning a known mass of the fuel in oxygen under high
pressure. The apparatus used is called bomb calorimeter as
shown in the above fig.
The bomb calorimeter consists of a strong cylindrical steel
vessel with a capacity of 400-500ml. It has an air tight screw
lid and a valve for introducing oxygen. A known mass of
fuel(about 1g) in the form of a pellet taken in a ceramic or
platinum crucible, with a loop iron wire projecting out from it
is placed I the bomb . The lid is closed tightly on A and
oxygen is pumped in through B at pressure of 25-30atm. The
apparatus is placed in a known mass of water taken in the
calorimeter surroundings. The initial temp of water is noted.
The fuel is ignited by connecting the end of the wire to a

source of electric current. Rapid combustion of fuel takes


place. Water in the calorimeter is continuously stirred using
an electrical stirrer during the heating.

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